Water Minister Dave Kelly today announced the release of the draft Derby Groundwater Allocation Plan for a six-month public comment period.
The draft Plan is the first to propose establishing a strategic aboriginal water reserve for local Aboriginal people, following the negotiation of similar arrangements in the successful Yamatji Nation Indigenous Land Use Agreement.
The Derby Aboriginal Water Reserve will ensure water is reserved for Derby native title holders to use for economic development.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will consult further with traditional owners regarding the sharing and administering of the water reserve.
The new Plan aims to:
- protect fresh groundwater resources from seawater intrusion on the Derby peninsula;
- secure an additional 1.2 gigalitres for future public drinking water supplies for Derby and surrounding communities;
- protect important environmental and cultural sites and values; and
- set new allocation limits and licensing rules that provide certainty for water users.
The new Plan for Derby will replace the 1992 management plan and provides for the future sustainable use and development of groundwater resources in the Derby area.
The public comment period is open until 5pm (WST) on Monday May 31, 2021.
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
“The release of the draft Derby Groundwater Allocation Plan for public comment is yet another example of the McGowan Government’s continued strong investment in securing and protecting regional water resources.
“The new Plan will incorporate strategies to protect the water quality for local communities and dependent ecosystems, and I look forward to the community providing their feedback.
“The McGowan Government is committed to improving economic outcomes for Aboriginal people and this plan has the potential to unlock economic opportunities for these communities in the Derby area.”
